In a move that reverberated across the political spectrum, James Craig, the former Detroit police chief, has announced his intent to run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in the upcoming election. Craig’s declaration comes on the heels of his disqualification from the Republican primary for governor last year — a contentious decision that arose from a fraud scandal and his failure to obtain enough valid signatures to get his name on the ballot.
This recent decision has injected new energy into a primary landscape already fraught with division and contention. The GOP’s recent history in Michigan is checkered with losses. The selection of candidates aligning closely with former President Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric, especially regarding the election conspiracy theories, has not always fared well. How might Craig’s affiliation with this sector of the party affect his chances?
Mike Rogers, a Republican figure with significant establishment backing and known for his criticism of Trump, is already in the running. Contrasting sharply, Craig seems poised to embrace Trump’s vision if his campaign announcement is any indication. The video montage he used prominently featured clips from conservative talk shows, including commendations from former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Given Craig’s commendable four-decade career in public service, how will these affiliations play out in the broader electoral landscape?
Detroit, under Craig’s leadership as the police chief, became a beacon for how to navigate the treacherous waters of racial justice protests, managing to largely sidestep the widespread civil unrest seen in other cities. While Craig’s leadership style was lauded by many Republicans and Detroit citizens, it wasn’t without its detractors, especially among local activists. Will his tenure in Detroit help or hinder his political aspirations?
Craig’s earlier foray into the gubernatorial race saw him leading the pack. However, a scandal involving fraudulent signatures on nominating petitions halted his momentum. Craig later praised Democrat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for her diligence in arresting those involved in the malfeasance. “The consulting firm that I hired; I never knew they subcontracted out signature gathers. They hired individuals, one of which had prior felony convictions forging signatures in another state and I had no way of knowing that,” said Craig. “So, the key this time around is to make sure we hire a reputable firm. But I’ve moved away from that and I’m looking forward to this race.” Will voters remember this bipartisan gesture or the scandal that necessitated it?
When Craig was queried about his specific plans for the Black community, which has historically been categorized among underserved communities, his response was both multifaceted and insightful. He accentuated the areas of education, crime, and the economy. However, his reference to “Black-on-Black crime” raises critical questions about his perspective on crime and racial dynamics. Does Craig’s use of this term suggest a narrow viewpoint on crime within the Black community, or is it a call to address internal issues that have long plagued urban areas? “What is common in Black and Brown communities is higher crime and in many cities crime has gone up because there are no consequences for their actions,” stated Craig. “And there are other factors that contribute to that like education and single parent homes. That does affect the Black communities.”
Furthermore, how does he plan to address these issues in a manner that doesn’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes but instead fosters unity, understanding, and growth? On the education front, what are his strategies to bridge the evident disparities faced by Black students?
“Most of my time in the field was in minority communities and one of the grandest problems in underserved communities here and around the state, is education. If you can’t read and write then you may not be able to get a job so, focusing on education has to be an important part of what I want to accomplish.”
And regarding the economy, what measures does Craig propose to ensure that Black businesses and entrepreneurs receive the resources and support they need to thrive? “The three things that impact the Black communities are essentially, education, crime, and community. In no necessary order because the education system is broken, Black-on-Black crime is certainly always at an unacceptable rate, and then you talk about economy, taxes, and inflation. The American Dream of buying a home now is just that – a dream.” Craig’s focus on these areas is commendable, but the intricacies lie in the execution and depth of understanding.
Craig’s recent communication with officials from Donald Trump’s presidential campaign regarding his senatorial aspirations introduces a myriad of questions and implications for the political landscape in Michigan.
As Craig contemplates replacing Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who has held her position for two decades, one wonders about the extent and nature of Trump’s influence on his campaign. Craig’s tenure as the police chief during the turbulent Black Lives Matter protests, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death, was not without its controversies, as evidenced by the passionate public reception during his gubernatorial campaign announcement.
The 67-year-old Craig, identifying as a conservative populist, has expressed intentions of bipartisan collaboration on pivotal issues like immigration, national security, and law and order. But how will his past, marked by a short-lived gubernatorial campaign tainted with issues of forged signatures, impact his senatorial bid? And with the Republican establishment already endorsing former Representative Mike Rogers, does Craig’s underdog status serve as a testament to his resilience or a forecast of impending political challenges? “Why not now? Look at the events of today, border security which there is none,” Craig points to the fact there are essentially open borders in addition to “the state of our economy, crime rates, fentanyl poisoning, we should not have an open checkbook for Ukraine,” Craig also touches on how the Biden administration is handling the current war in Israel. “I feel like this country is going in the wrong direction and it affects all of us.”
Furthermore, given Michigan’s political trajectory since Trump’s 2016 win, where it has gradually emerged as a secondary battleground, how will both parties navigate this evolving terrain?
The upcoming Senate race is already burgeoning with potential candidates from both sides of the aisle, all vying to fill the void left by Sen. Stabenow’s forthcoming retirement. With six Democrats and six Republicans officially in the mix and another, Peter Meijer, mulling over a possible entry, Michigan’s political scene is nothing short of dynamic.
Among the Democrats:
Nasser Beydoun: A political moderate and Dearborn businessman with roots in the American Arab Chamber of Congress.
Zack Burns: An Ann Arbor attorney with a laser focus on housing, health care, and education.
Hill Harper: An actor and attorney with a compelling personal journey, including a cancer diagnosis and subsequent appointment by then-President Obama.
Leslie Love: A former state lawmaker with significant legislative achievements.
Pamela Pugh: With a background in public health and current presidency of the Michigan State Board of Education.
Elissa Slotkin: A current U.S. Representative with a history in defense and intelligence.
On the Republican side:
Michael Hoover: Emphasizing strong families and fiscal responsibility.
Peter Meijer: A one-term Congressman known for his vote to impeach Trump.
Sherry O’Donnell: Advocating for medical freedom.
Mike Rogers: A seasoned political figure with a varied career.
Nikki Snyder: A strong proponent of parental rights in education.
Alexandria Taylor: Switched from the Democratic Party and has a focus on “family, faith, and freedom.”
J.D. Wilson: Prioritizing tax cuts and a reduction in federal government size.
With such a diverse and dynamic roster, the upcoming election promises to be a political spectacle. The pertinent question remains: Which of these candidates will resonate most with Michigan’s diverse population? And where does James Craig fit in this intricate jigsaw? Only time will tell.
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